Social Sciences
Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Please refer to the ‘Bachelor’s and master’s courses at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin’ FAQ.
Standard time for completing course
6 semesters
Start of study and Entry Restriction
Cf. course catalogue
Course structure
Social Sciences is offered as a:
- Mono-bachelor: 180 credit points (CP*)
- Combined bachelor's second subject: 60 CP for a bachelor’s core subject from a combined bachelor’s programme without teacher training option
* One CP is calculated to equal an average workload of 25 to max. 30 hours for preparation, follow-up and attendance at classes.
Why study Social Sciences at HU?
Choosing a subject should primarily take the course content into account. The Department of Social Sciences at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is an excellent choice. Many universities only offer courses in Political Science or Sociology, although it makes sense to study these two subjects in combination.
Combining the two sub-disciplines of the Social Sciences (Sociology and Political Science) provides students with an extensive overview of the social contexts and political power structures in Germany, Europe and the world. This highlights not only the theoretical foundations of Social Sciences, but the elective and in-depth course components as well, which give students the opportunity to examine sub-fields in the Social Sciences more closely (Urban and Regional Sociology, Social Policy, Gender Studies, Family Sociology, International Politics, Democracy Research etc.), depending on their specific interests.
At HU, comprehensive training in social-science methodology provides students with a tool kit for working analytically, the value of which should not be underestimated. In the basic modules as well as in the advanced modules and in the final thesis, great importance is attached to "learning by research". Students can work on their own questions theoretically and empirically at an early stage in closely accompanied research processes. They can later apply these competences profitably in the professional field of science, but also in other professional fields such as political consulting, human resources management, development cooperation, educational work.
Being educated by renowned professors has as further advantage, particularly in Berlin. The department’s location in Berlin-Mitte, close to the seat of the German government, key media companies, the headquarters of many associations and cultural institutions, affords an opportunity for varied extra-curricular learning and networking. The Department of Social Sciences is a vibrant department in one of Europe’s most historical yet contemporary cities.
You can see videos about studying Social Sciences at HU at: www.sowi.hu-berlin.de/de/studium/studienbuero/film.
What special abilities and interests do you need for this subject?
Important prerequisites for studying social sciences are a high level of general knowledge, a keen interest in social issues and current political discourses as well as in the political system of the Federal Republic of Germany. For a successful completion of the course of studies, the willingness to read even long and demanding texts in German and English and to work with statistical methods and computer programs is required.
Course content
The best places to find information about course content are the study regulations (www.amb.hu-berlin.de, no. 28/2014) and the annotated university calendar. You can also consult the Course Advisory Service (see below).
Mono-bachelor's course with 180 CP
Mandatory modules (100 CP)
Module 01: Introduction to the Study and Methods of Social Sciences, 7 CP
Module 02: Methods I, 8 CP
Module 03: Methods II, 8 CP
Module 04: Methods III, 15 CP
Module 05: Sociological Theories, 8 CP
Module 06: Political Theories, 8 CP
Module 07: Microsociology and Demographics, 8 CP
Module 08: Political System of the Federal Republic of Germany, 8 CP
Module 09: Comparative Political Science and International Affairs, 8 CP
Module 10: Social Structure and Diversity, 8 CP
Module 16: Final module, 15 CP
Mandatory elective modules (55 CP)
Module 12/13: In-depth-module I + II (15 CP each)
Two modules must be selected from the following in-depth modules. They can belong to the same topic.
A) Comparative and International Politics and Governance
B) Work, Family, Urbanity and Diversity
C) Sociological and Political Theories
Modul 14: Free choice within the subject Social Sciences, 10 CP
Modul 15: Internship (accompanied by a colloquium), 15 CP
General elective modules (25 CP)
In addition to specialised study, Students acquire subject-specific, non-specialist and interdisciplinary key qualifications of 20 CP. The general elective modules can be chosen from the module catalogues of other subjects or central institutions (see: hu.berlin/vorlesungsverzeichnis).
Social Sciences as a second subject within a combined bachelor with 60 CP
Mandatory subjects (25 CP)
Module 17: Fundamentals of Sociology, 10 CP
Module 18: Fundamentals of Political Science, 10 CP
Module 19: Methods of Empirical Social Research, 5 CP
Mandatory elective modules (35 CP)
Module 12: In-depth-module I, (15 CP)
One of the following in-depth modules must be selected:
A) Comparative and International Politics and Governance
B) Work, Family, Urbanity and Diversity
C) Sociological and Political Theories
Module 20: Free choice within the subject Social Sciences I, 10 CP
Module 21: Free choice within the subject Social Sciences II, 10 CP
General course offerings for students coming from other courses of studies
Module 14: Free choice within the subject Social Sciences, 10 CP
Master’s degrees
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences program are eligible to study a follow-on Social Sciences master’s course at the department. You’ll find other HU programs in the Course catalogue.
Important addresses
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Social Sciences: Universitätsstr. 3b, www.sowi.hu-berlin.de/, Tel. +49 30 2093-66500
Course Advisory Service and Classification and recognition of studies and qualifications: Dr. Lebuhn, room 332, Tel. +49 30 2093-66534, henrik.lebuhn@sowi.hu-berlin.de
Applications: www.hu-berlin.de/studium/compass/wie, Information for prospective international students
Links to job market: www.studium.org/soziologie, careers information centre, Hochschulteam calendar of events
Version: December 2021
Back to Course catalogue
Contact for questions or feedback regarding this page: studienberatung@uv.hu-berlin.de